BILL NUMBER:  SB 1443
  VETOED	DATE: 09/30/2014




To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 1443 without my signature.

The Political Reform Act, when enacted by the people in 1974,
contained no limit on gifts to public officials, other than a $10
limit for lobbyists.  In 1990, the Legislature imposed a gift limit
with an inflation adjustment.  This bill would lower that limit and
create a list of gifts prohibited altogether -- adding further
complexity without commensurate benefit.  Proper disclosure, as
already provided by law, should be sufficient to guard against undue
influence.

Politicians should be subject to various constraints.  I would point
out, however, that some balance and common sense is required.  An
article authored by a former law professor of mine makes this very
point with insight and clarity.  See The Purity Potlatch: An Essay on
Conflicts of Interest, American Government, and Moral Escalation, by
Bayless Manning, Federal Bar Journal (1964), pp. 239-256.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.